What is significant about this result is that in the December 2000 elections, the DA won this ward with a 77% majority. This means the ANC was able to reduce their majority by over 20%!

Furthermore, the ANC won the Stanford voting district, which the DA previously won convincingly. This confirms that the ANC has the support of the majority of poor people.

In ward 2 where the ANC did not contest, an independent candidate lost with a mere 10 votes! This is another confirmation of the DA being a party in terminal decline, even losing in predominantly white areas.

Said the ANC`s Provincial Secretary Mcebisi Skwatsha: "The results of Ward 4, which is a so-called DA stronghold, bodes well for the ANC`s chances in 2004. The DA is fighting a losing battle in trying to maintain its support.

"We are also pleased that the by-election has strengthened the ANC`s structures in the area. We are committed to working with all our communities in bringing about a better life for them.

"The result in ward 2 amounts to a motion of no-confidence in the DA-run municipality."